Description

Designed for readers with no or little prior knowledge of the subject, this concise anthology brings together key texts in aesthetics and the philosophy of art.

Designed for readers with no or little prior knowledge of the subject.

Presents two contrasting pieces on each of six topics.

Texts range from Plato’s famous critique of art in the ‘Republic’ through Nietzsche’s ‘The Birth of Tragedy’ to Barthes’ ‘The Death of the Author’ 'and pieces in recent philosophical aesthetics from a number of traditions.

Interactive editorial commentary helps readers to engage with the philosophical train of thought.

Explains the argumentative and historical context in which each piece was written.

Includes questions for debate and suggestions for further reading.

About the Author

Christopher Janaway is Professor of Philosophy at University of Southampton. His recent publications include Schopenhauer: A Very Short Introduction (2002) and Reading Philosophy: Selected Texts with a Method for Beginners (co-edited with Samuel Guttenplan and Jennifer Hornsby, Blackwell, 2003).

R.W. Hepburn, ‘Contemporary Aesthetics and the Neglect of Natural Beauty’.

Commentary on Hepburn..

3. Aesthetic judgements.

Introduction to the issues.

Introduction to Hume.

David Hume, ‘Of the Standard of Taste’.

Commenatary on Hume.

Introduction to Kant.

Immanuel Kant, Critique of the Power of Judgment (extract).

Commentary on Kant..

4. Definitions of art.

Introduction to the issues.

Introduction to Collingwood.

R.G. Collingwood, The Principles of Art (extracts).

Commentary on Collingwood.

Introduction to Dickie.

George Dickie, ‘The Institutional Theory of Art’.

Commentary on Dickie..

5. Authors and works.

Introduction to the issues.

Introduction to Barthes.

Roland Barthes, ‘The Death of the Author’.

Commentary on Barthes.

Introduction to Danto.

Arthur C. Danto, The Transfiguration of the Commonplace (extracts).

Commentary on Danto..

6. Depiction in art.

Introduction to the issues.

Introduction to Goodman.

Nelson Goodman, Languages of Art (extracts).

Commentary on Goodman.

Introduction to Wollheim.

Richard Wollheim, Painting as an Art (extract).

Commentary on Wollheim.

Further Reading.

Index.

"A thoughtful and creative selection of the very best work in aesthetics and philosophy of art brought to life with clear, fresh, and insightful commentaries – there is nothing like it." Dominic McIver Lopes,University of British Columbia <!--end-->

''Through a careful and varied selection of writings, supported by clear and succinct commentary, Janaway's volume succeeds very well in its aim of introducing the philosophy of art and the aesthetic in a way that will allow those new to the subject to grasp its interest and importance.'' Sebastian Gardner, University College London

A concise anthology of key texts in aesthetics and the philosophy of art

Designed for readers with no or little prior knowledge of the subject

Presents two contrasting pieces on each of six topics

Texts range from Plato’s famous critique of art in the ‘Republic’ through Nietzsche’s ‘The Birth of Tragedy’ to Barthes’ ‘The Death of the Author’ 'and pieces in recent philosophical aesthetics from a number of traditions

Interactive editorial commentary helps readers to engage with the philosophical train of thought

Explains the argumentative and historical context in which each piece was written